Page Comparison

Desktop versions of Microsoft apps

Will always be the most up-to-date version

An upgrade from Office 2016 but similar with respect to licensing and updates; 64-bit version recommended. 

32-bit version default deployment on-campus (64-Bit available)

• In addition to fully installed desktop versions of Microsoft, M365 apps also have monthly updates of new features and security updates

• Access to productivity and collaboration tools, including OneDrive

• , expanded storage for Outlook and OneDrive, and real time collaboration

• Exclusive intelligent capabilities such as Ideas in Excel, Researcher in Word and advanced security features.

• Always up to date

• With your work or school account, you can use the free Microsoft Online apps in your web browser. The documents you create are stored in OneDrive, so you can access them from anywhere.

Offered 'as-is' except for some security updates (as needed), new features are not added

Offers standard Microsoft applications (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access)

Can be user-based or device-based (currently testing device-based licensing)

Cloud-based Only - available via Browser or Mobile Applications

Via Campus managed License Server

Via Campus managed License Server; Some direct stand-alone licenses. 

• Using the 32-bit version may negatively impact ability to open/work with 64-bit-based documents/applications

• If an individual using Office 2016 edits a document to insert a comment, an individual editing the same document using Microsoft 365 (ProPlus or online apps) may not be able to see the comment(s)

• Office 2016 moves to limited support in October 2020

  • These users will be encouraged to move to Microsoft 365 ProPlus or Office 2019 if unable to move to O365

• Users must log in with their UWaterloo credentials at least once every 30 days (requirement of user-based licensing)

  • If this is not feasible, it is recommended they switch to either Office 2019 or a device-based licence (contact your local IT rep or IST Service Desk for more information)

• Can install Office on up to 5 mobile devices, 5 tablets, and 5 computers/laptops

  • Users can log into their account to see which license and apps they have access to

    1. Log in at microsoft365.com

    2. Click My Account

    3. Click Subscriptions

       1. View licence and applications available

• User must login Portal to access cloud-based applications (i.e. applications are not installed on the desktop)

• Does not have online application of Microsoft Publisher or Access

• Using the 32-bit version may negatively impact ability to open/work with 64-bit-based documents/applications

• There may be compatibility issues with Office 2016 or Microsoft 365 when using collaboration features. 

• Connection to campus network required every 120 days to maintain license (unless stand-alone license provided)

• Campus support for Office 2016 will end in 2020

  • These users will be encouraged to move to Microsoft 365 ProPlus or Office 2019 if unable to move to O365

• Using this 32-bit version may impact ability to open/work with 64-bit-based documents/applications

• If an individual using Office 2016 edits a document to insert a comment, an individual editing the same document using Microsoft 365 (ProPlus or online apps) may not be able to see the comment(s)

• Connection to campus network required every 120 days to maintain license (unless stand-alone license provided)

• Campus support for Office 2016 will end in 2020

  • These users will be encouraged to move to Microsoft 365 ProPlus or Office 2019 if unable to move to O365

Academic Support departments managed by IST; Academic Support, T-Labs

Any University of Waterloo employee or student with an activated Microsoft 365 account

Available on e-classroom podiums; Shared laptops 

• Microsoft 365 FAQ

• Microsoft 365 training center

• LinkedIn Learning

• What's new in Microsoft

UWaterloo Microsoft 365 information

 What's new in Office 2019